Stormzy faces backlash over 'hypocritical' McDonald’s ad amid Gaza boycott

Acclaimed British rapper Stormzy is under fire for starring in a McDonald’s advertisement while the fast food giant faces a widespread boycott among pro-Palestinian advocates. 

The controversy escalated on Wednesday after fans noticed he appeared to have deleted an older Instagram post expressing solidarity with Palestine.

The recent advert features Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr, walking into a McDonald's and ordering his meal, which inspires customers nationwide - from families to students - to order as well.

As they "order like Stormzy", his voice - distinguished by his thick south London accent - is heard coming from their mouths.

Social media users criticised what they saw as financial opportunism, with one user stating: "Stormzy deleting his pro Palestine posts & then doing ads for McDonalds is a choice. Mate, you really didn't need that cheque."

Another said: "Why’s @stormzy doing all these adverts for ... the same company who’ve been feeding Israeli soldiers happy meals whilst they’ve been grinning and gloating eating midst massacring Palestinians? Real sellout behaviour @stormzy  Don’t say ‘Free Palestine’ then work for them!"

I can’t lie, it’s deleting the post that says Free Palestine that makes the McDonalds deal far worse. You can argue the deal but deleting the very smallest bit of advocacy you did is nasty work. Stormzy did not need to do that.

— s (@jesuissamii) February 12, 2025

McDonald’s became a target of a grassroots boycott in 2023 after its Israeli franchise Alonyal distributed thousands of free meals to the Israeli military amid its assault on Gaza.

In January 2024, the official Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement called for "escalating global boycott of McDonald's until it ends ties with Israeli franchisee for supporting genocide and Malaysian franchisee for bullying solidarity activists".

While the US burger giant announced in April that it would buy back its restaurants from its Israeli franchisee amid a boycott-fuelled drop in sales, many people have stated they would maintain their boycott due to ethical considerations.
s://x.com/jesuissamii/status/18897452433832550

'Chose money over morals'

Several social media users said they were disappointed that the artist appeared to walk back on his previous statements of solidarity with Palestinians.

"https://x.com/jesuissamii/status/1889745243383255081I can’t lie, it’s deleting the post that says Free Palestine that makes the McDonalds deal far worse," said one user.

"You can argue the deal but deleting the very smallest bit of advocacy you did is nasty work. Stormzy did not need to do that."http

In October 2023, a few weeks after the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the start of Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip, Stormzy shared "Free Palestine", joining other artists and activists calling for an end to violence.

In his caption he added: "In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world, no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been. Social media is a brilliant way to stand up for what is right, but there are also a whole load of other ways to do this."

However, as his McDonald’s campaign launched, fans were quick to notice that the post had disappeared. 

It is not clear when exactly the post was removed, but the timing of the ad fueled accusations of hypocrisy.

Stormzy said he’d stand with the oppressed ‘100 times out of 100’ but now he’s teaming up with McGenocide? The check must’ve been serious. It’s giving money over morals. Beyond disappointed. pic.twitter.com/1YNHOSLwCp

— A P R Y L (@_____apryl) February 12, 2025

Many accused Stormzy of contradicting his activism with his commercial choices.

One user sarcastically claimed he had supported Palestine "until McDonald’s put a (presumed) six-figure collab deal in front of you. YIKES!"
 

Stormzy is completely aware of what he’s doing. He knows about the genocide in Palestine.

He just chose money > principle.

His last 2 posts on Instagram are him on the cover of Men’s Health and the next is him advertising McDonalds?

Bro the meal alone is shit.

9 nuggets???

— humza (@instvnza_) February 12, 2025

The rapper's involvement also raised concerns that his influence could undermine the boycott, particularly among young, impressionable fans. 

"Palestinians and activists have been working hard to tell people to boycott McDonald’s, then Stormzy comes along to boost their PR, leading teenagers to queue for McDonald’s. They’re using him to make up for their profit loss over the past year," one user said.

Scumbag @stormzy, for a bit of money that you don’t even need. You deleted this post to do a McDonalds commercial 🐀 #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/QG5r34zOLR

— Deen (@Deens786) February 12, 2025

One widely shared post quoted his post about supporting the oppressed "100 times out of 100", then added: "But when the same God you rap about tests your soul as kids are shot in the head in your Holy Land, you sell out for 9 nuggets, fries, and a Sprite."

However, not all reactions were critical. Some defended the rapper, writing that many critics may unknowingly support corporations linked to McDonald's through their investments.

Oh ffs @stormzy 💔🗣️

Has anyone got any morals left, anyone???? https://t.co/CiZQ5FVU9U pic.twitter.com/GPiy8ExCAM

— redsarah99🇵🇸 #BlackLivesMatter🍉🍉 (@redsarah99) February 12, 2025

Other fans noted that despite their disappointment, Stormzy’s wider contributions should not be ignored, stating: "Stormzy does way too much for his community for me to say anything negative about him. Deleting the Palestine post was bad though."

Middle East Eye reached out to Stormzy for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.